Legendary ‘Florentine Diamond’ resurfaces after 100 years in Canadian vault

More than a century after it vanished, the legendary Florentine Diamond, a 137-carat fancy yellow gem once owned by Austrian royalty, has resurfaced, as reported by The New York Times. The diamond, which disappeared shortly after World War I, has been safely stored in a Canadian vault since World War II.

The Hapsburg family reportedly moved the diamond to Canada amid the upheavals of both World Wars, keeping its location secret for a century. Empress Zita carried the jewels in a small suitcase while fleeing Europe during the Nazi threat, eventually leaving them in a Quebec bank for safekeeping.

The diamond, originally part of the Medici collection, later became property of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, adorning coronation crowns and imperial regalia. Christoph Köchert, of former imperial court jewellers A.E. Köchert, confirmed the gem’s authenticity, noting its cut, weight, and historical characteristics match historical records.

Austrian authorities, meanwhile, have announced an “immediate review” to determine whether the diamond should be considered state property. The Hapsburg family has no plans to sell the gem and intends to exhibit it in Canada in the coming years.

As reported by the New York Times, the Florentine Diamond’s return ends decades of speculation over one of the world’s most famous jewels.